Please note that in the beginning, the theatre
was known as the Civic Amateur Theatre until October 1942. Shows were performed
at the old Ann Arbor High School (now the Frieze building), and at Pattengill
Auditorium. Ann Arbor High School allowed Civic to borrow a room for rehearsing
and auditioning during weeknights, at no charge.
Richard Cutting reported that in the early days of the theatre, card parties
were held to defray the cost of play debt.
1929-1934
No Public Performances
However, there were some shows performed including Arsenic and Old
Lace in 1932
1935
MARCH - The Late Christopher Bean
This show was revived 50 years later in 1985 and directed by Charlie Sutherland.
1936
JANUARY - Her Master's Voice
MAY - The Thing to Do
1936-37
DECEMBER - Three Cornered Room
APRIL - Ten Nights in a Barroom
1937-38
Ben Howard directed in 1938 and was chosen as Best Director. After that,
he was selected by the group to direct all the plays—we don’t know
when that ended.
MARCH - Call it a Day
JANUARY - Aaron Slick from Punkin Crick
1939-1940
In July 1939, The Red Lamp was performed in a Whitmore Lake home
and then at West Park Bandshell.
NOVEMBER - Little Shot
JANUARY - He and She
Starting in the 1940’s, Alger Crandall was very
active in the theatre and played everything—mostly bit parts. David Sellards
had been involved with AACT before the war and was a character actor. He used
to play the "fat" roles, and he held many Civic events at his place
on Huron River Drive, near Barton Hills. David remained involved for many
years. So did Jerry Scofield, who was big in the theatre before the war.
After the war, rehearsals happened in the Michigan Union "Rumpus Room"
(unclear what that means) and set construction was done at the Burns Park
Log Cabin (where the Senior Citizen Center is now located). The Log Cabin
had a pot bellied stove, but there were gaps between the logs where there
was supposed to be mortar. If you stepped away from the stove, it was unbearably
cold in the winter. Howard and Margaret Fox say that you had to "cook"
the paint before it could be spread, because it was frozen. Set building was
also done at Jim Thompson’s vacant candy store on Prospect St. Rehearsals
took place at 305 S. Main St (recent site of Fantasy Attic).
Howard and Margaret Fox became involved in Ann Arbor Civic Theatre in 1947,
just after the war. Howard and Margaret had each graduated from U of M in
1941, but when the war broke out Howard enlisted. In fact, he remained a Reservist
until 1968. After the war, they came back to Ann Arbor, and Howard was working
at the King-Seely plant on First Street. It was there that salesman (and Civic
Board President) Roy Brown was trying to re-form the theatre group. He asked
Howard if he thought he could run lights for a show being put together for
the Angell School PTO.
1940-41
Also during this season, two one acts were taken to Platt, MI—they
were seen by "8-10 adults and about 40 disorderly children."
NOVEMBER - Drums of Death
FEBRUARY - The First Mrs. Fraser
MAY - You Can't Take It with You
The Majestic Theatre screened a special showing of the movie version to
the cast of this show to help them. Eventually, this show was taken on the
road to Ft. Custer.
1941-42
NOVEMBER - The Man Who Came to Dinner
In this production, Professor Jack Briar played the lead.
FEBRUARY - The Thirteenth Chair
APRIL - Here Today
1942-43
Civic Amateur Theatre renamed Ann Arbor Civic Theatre
DECEMBER - Philadelphia Story
MARCH - Easy Living
JUNE - Arsenic and Old Lace
1944-46
No Public Performances
Some private productions put on with 2 weeks of rehearsals. One, an original
script, had seven acts, and the audience left during the first intermission,
because it wasn’t very good.
1947
The war was over, and Civic resumed public performances this year. Also,
this year, a private showing of the one-act "Slim" was performed
at a home. Roy Brown was President of Civic at this time.
FEBRUARY - My Sister Eileen
Performed at Ann Arbor High School (Frieze Building). This show featured
Betty Fuller, who later went on to success on Broadway.
MAY - The Late George Apley
1947-48
In December of 1947, Victor Lane with the help of attorney Carl Fischer
filed articles of incorporation for Ann Arbor Civic Theatre which were finalized
in 1948. From here on out the organization was known as "Ann Arbor Civic
Theatre, Inc.", a non-profit organization. The first bylaws prohibited
‘strong liquor’ at gatherings in order to honor the University’s
wishes.
NOVEMBER - The Barretts of Wimpole Street
Phyllis Wright was in this show, which was directed by Marie Miller. Howard
and Margaret Fox ran lights for the first time, on this show at Slauson. (After
several years, the Foxes would move from lights to box office, and then mailings.)
Slauson had rheostats that were very hot, for which intensity was controlled
by motors. The rheostats had to be run by pushing the levelers with sticks—they
were hard to move. Also, the rheostats were up a ladder in a room from which
you could not see the stage. Cues had to be called up from below. The director
of this production rented all the costumes, which was a very costly expenditure;
however Phyllis Wright raised funds to defray the costs of her costumes ($800!).
MARCH - Night Must Fall
Phyllis Wright was going to direct this production with Ed Burrows as
AD. There was a long stairway up to the rehearsal space at 305 S. Main St.
(where Fantasy Attic recently has been) and Phyllis was pregnant. She often
tells of how Ed had to guide her down the stairs in her state.
MAY - Kiss and Tell
1948-49
OCTOBER - The Voice of the Turtle
MARCH - All My Sons
1949-50
OCTOBER - An Inspector Calls
JANUARY - The Torchbearers
APRIL - Male Animals
Howard and Margaret Fox remember this as the first Civic show in the Lydia
Mendelssohn Theatre. Lighting at Mendelssohn was much better than at Slauson,
because although it also used rheostats, they were at least able to be operated
from the command station SR over the doorway. It is worth noting that the
rheostat operator could hear but couldn’t really see the stage action.
In the 50’s, Jerry Sandler was one of the directors.
From 1954-1960, Ted Huesel was the only director. He always made bold choices
and was hugely successful. In one unnamed show, Ted invited patients from
the Ypsilanti State Hospital, and police had to guard the audience. As you
will see, that is one of many incredible things Ted did.
During the 50’s, there was usually a picnic in August which served as
the kick off for the next season. At this picnic, job assignments were handed
out for the year.
This decade was a heyday for Ann Arbor Civic Theatre, which at the time was
bigger than U of M’s Theatre program. AACT was the only place
in town to do theatre. There was an avante garde theatre called the Arts Theatre
Club in the mid-50’s. Doris Roberts (the Emmy winner for Everybody
Loves Raymond) was a part of this group. Unfortunately, when Arts Theatre
Club tried to play Mendelssohn, the venue was too big for them, and they went
broke. The measure of a good show in those days was whether they had to open
the balcony on Friday night, not just Saturday.
In the early 50’s, Ann Arbor Civic lost use of the Log Cabin for set
building, when Burns Park officials demolished it to make a shelter and warming
house. For a couple of years, Civic used the old schoolhouse on Ellsworth
and Wagner to build and store sets. Then they moved set building operations
to Main and Liberty, where they couldn’t get sets down the stairs—flats
had to be lowered out the window. There was also rehearsal space at this space
near the intersection of Main and Liberty.
1950-51
OCTOBER - The Silver Whistle
Ted Heusel’s first show with Civic. Apparently Todd Jones, then President
of AACT, had a part in getting Ted to direct this production. It is generally
recognized as a strong first show that was excellent.
JANUARY – Laura
This show, directed by Ted Heusel, was Helga Hover’s first show with
AACT. She had just been married to Gerald and brought over from Germany two
years earlier. In this, she played Laura’s maid. This was the beginning
of a 35 year involvement with Civic.
APRIL - Strange Bedfellows
1951-52
At this time, Eddie Pesco was the caretaker of Mendelssohn. Eddie was
well-liked.
OCTOBER - Life with Mother
Ted was surprised by his set designer on this production. They had spoken
about what Ted was looking for in the set, and Ted thought they had agreement.
When they moved into Mendelssohn, Ted discovered that the set designer had
designed and built a modern set, totally inappropriate for the subject matter.
In the end, Eddie Pesco, caretaker of Mendelssohn, created a set made totally
of curtains.
JANUARY - The Spider
Some sources claim this was the first show at Mendelssohn. During this
play, a person is "murdered" in the audience. Ted arranged to have
real Ann Arbor Police show up at the theatre at the proper moment and cordon
off the audience. The audience was quite unnerved by this. Also, they used
the old trap door on the stage.
APRIL - Holiday
1952-53
OCTOBER - The Happy Time
JANUARY - Ten Little Indians
This show has been done three times by Ann Arbor Civic Theatre.
APRIL - Mr. Roberts
1953-54
OCTOBER - Three Men on a Horse
This show was another good one, but it had a tragedy associated with it.
Todd Jones, former AACT Board President, was playing the lead, but on the
night before opening, he was killed in a car accident involving a train. We
understand that when he and his car were recovered, officers found his script
on the seat beside him. It is possible that he was running lines. Ted Heusel
had to go on for opening with script in hand, which worked out fine since
the character was a bookie. Later, a scholarship for promising actors was
created in his name.
JANUARY - Home of the Brave
This was a bare stage production in which the lights figured prominently
and were well-reviewed.
APRIL - Born Yesterday
This show featured Ken McDonald as Paul Verrall.
1954-55
Just prior to this season, Tony Sellers and a Mr. Passuanella of AACT
came down to the Saline Mill Theatre, a professional summer theatre that Ted
Heusel was running. They saw the show that night and then took Ted aside.
AACT had been doing three shows a season, and they wanted to do five. They
brought Ted on, for what would end up being six years, to be the only director
at Civic. By agreement, Ted was paid $65/week plus a split of the profits
at the end of the year. Howard and Margaret Fox lit most of Ted’s shows
during this period.
Phyllis Wright began the reputable Children’s Creative Program through
the School Board, the City of Ann Arbor, and the Washtenaw Recreation Department.
Eventually, this group would become Ann Arbor Civic’s Junior Theatre.
OCTOBER - Stalag 17
NOVEMBER - Summer and Smoke
Although this was a good show, one surprise entrance happened when Richard
Cutting crossed the stage during the performance! Ruth Livingston was emoting
in a scene and the audience gasped, but according to Dick, he just had to
get across, and didn’t want to take the tunnel.
DECEMBER - The Curious Savage
JANUARY - Private Lives
Ted Heusel tried to get his wife Nancy to audition for this show, but
she said "no" and soon after had a baby. Nancy had been pursuing
a track to having a professional career and the Foxes say that she certainly
would have made it on Broadway. Although husband and wife, Ted Heusel always
made Nancy audition for him.
FEBRUARY - The Moon is Blue
MARCH - The Country Girl
Hollywood director George Seaton’s father was in this production.
Of course, George Seaton had directed the highly acclaimed film version of
The Country Girl, which starred Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly. George
attended rehearsals for the show and on opening night gave flowers to Civic’s
leading lady, Sally Replinger.
1955-56
In 1955, Ann Arbor High School moved from what is now in the Frieze Building
to Pioneer. Ann Arbor Schools offered to extend the invitation of free rehearsal
space at Pioneer; however it was too far out for many of the University participants
to get there without transportation available. Civic said "Thanks, but
no thanks." Joe Medrano met with Charlie Chadwick and became involved
in Civic.
OCTOBER - The Night of January 16th
This show featured Helga Hover, as a Swede!
DECEMBER - My Three Angels
JANUARY - Picnic
Remembered as a particularly great production.
FEBRUARY - I Am a Camera
This show featured Helga Hover as Sally’s Jewish girlfriend Natasha.
MARCH - RX (First musical at AACT)
The first musical at AACT was an original musical! This musical was written
by a doctor at the University hospital and starred fellow doctors and nurses.
John Kokales of Capital Market played the lead.
1956-57
During this year, there were some rehearsals and workshops at a schoolhouse
at Carpenter and Michigan.
OCTOBER - Caine Mutiny Court Martial
Due to the fact that the Ann Arbor High School wasn’t open for the
Fall when auditions for this show had to take place, there was some question
as to where they could be held. Richard Cutting, a member of the audition
committee, cleared out an old building of his and 88 men came out for auditions.
Dick Cutting eventually died in 1969 after 40 years of involvement with the
Civic Theatre.
This production starred Jay Michael, a radio actor at WJR who had played Sgt.
Preston in "The King of the Mounties" radio show and had played
in "The Lone Ranger" radio show. Unfortunately, Jay had a drinking
problem, and on the night of first dress, he was found drunk lying on the
lawn of the Health Center across the street from the theatre. He was arrested
by Ann Arbor’s finest and had to be bailed out by Ted Heusel. Then on
opening, during the final scene, his speech got a standing ovation.
NOVEMBER - Tea and Sympathy
Nancy Heusel’s first show with Ann Arbor Civic, and recognized as a fantastic
performance. She had just had a baby.
JANUARY - The Seven Year Itch
FEBRUARY - Bus Stop
This production starred Marian Mercer, the Tony award winner for "Promises,
Promises" and sketch comedienne with Dean Martin, Dom Deluise and Jonathan
Winters.
FEBRUARY - Gigi
MARCH - The Merchant of Venice (first Shakespeare at AACT)
This ill-fated first Shakespeare show at AACT was performed in the round
at the old Ann Arbor Masonic Temple in the Edwardian style.
1957-58
OCTOBER - The Teahouse of the August Moon
In some unmentioned show, possibly this one, one of the characters was
dressed as a Sumo wrestler. While on stage, the actor got swept away by the
spirit of things and his g-string came untied. Only his stance was keeping
things together. Bob Logan, who was playing a native bystander danced behind
the wrestler in an excited manner and tied the strings back together.
During this production, there was supposed to be a Jeep. Gene Duke arranged
to have the Jeep brought up in the Mendelssohn elevator in a vertical position,
because it wasn’t big enough to accommodate a Jeep in a horizontal position.
It was place in vertically just fine, and came up without incident, it was
laid back down without incident, and then, as Gene drove the Jeep across stage,
he realized that a bracing chain was still attached! The chain broke the Michigan
League fire extinguisher pipe to which it was attached, and the basement flooded.
Richard Cutting (who worked for the University and fortunately also belonged
to Civic) sent the repair people from his U of M office.
NOVEMBER - A Hatful of Rain
This play, dealing with substance abuse, had a young ingénue named Beverly
Owen, who eventually went on to play the original daughter in "The Munsters."
This production featured Beverly Ogg, Don Catalina and J. Henry Owens
JANUARY - Guys and Dolls
First mainstream musical at AACT. Alger Crandel played the Arvide. Sky
Masterson was played by John Kokales. Probably in this production, Ken Johnson
played Harry the Horse. He suffered from acromegaly, which was altering the
shape of his facial structure. Eventually he made it in film and wouldn’t
get the condition treated because according to him, his face was his fortune.
FEBRUARY - Mia Mine
This, the second original musical, was written by Harriet Bennett, who
was related to the Henry Ford family. Her play dealt with the history of the
Ford family.
MARCH - Janus
1958-59
OCTOBER - Death of a Salesman
Rehearsals for this production were in the Heusel’s leaky basement.
During rehearsals, Nancy’s children would sit on the stairs and watch.
During one particular rehearsal, the yelling actors led the Heusel’s
neighbors to believe that the two of them were having a huge argument.
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER - Visit to a Small Planet
JANUARY - Julius Caesar
This production didn’t go very well. Following the difficulties with
this and with the 1957 production of Merchant of Venice, Shakespeare
was avoided until 1972.
FEBRUARY - Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
MARCH - The Hasty Heart
Dr. Robert Green’s first show at Civic. Ironically, he played a doctor
in the show.
APRIL - Abraham Lincoln
Directed by Jerry Sandler, this production featured Helga Hover as Mrs.
Lincoln.
1959-60
OCTOBER - The Diary of Anne Frank
This production, directed by Jerry Sandler, featured Zeke Jabbour as Mr. Frank
and Helga Hover as Meep.
NOVEMBER - Nude with Violin
Dr. Robert Green had the lead in this show which featured a great "Nude
with Violin" painted by Alice Crawford.
JANUARY - Major Barbara
This production, generally regarded as a good one, was Beverley Pooley’s
first show with Ann Arbor Civic. It was directed by Jerry Sandler, and Burnette
Staebler was in it. Phyllis Wright won a Best Supporting Actress award for
her portrayal.
FEBRUARY - A Streetcar Named Desire
APRIL - Wonderful Town
One of Bob Seeman’s few lighting jobs.
In 1960, after years of discussion about how difficult
it was to jump around from location to location, a fund drive was begun to
raise money for a building with a studio on South Main near Pioneer (Ann Arbor
High School). While the deal never panned out, it gave the theatre company
enough money to buy a space when the occasion arose. In 1962, a building committee
found the answer and Civic theatre moved to Mulholland Drive (803 W. Washington),
in what had been the Water Works. There were a lot of negotiations with the
city and a lot of competitive bidding to get through. The move was made possible
by Mayor Creal, who loved AACT. It was 5,000 feet of floor space with 14 foot
high ceilings. They were able to adapt the 1960 S. Main plan to this space
without too much difficulty. Architect Joseph Wehrer of UofM’s School
of Architecture & Design School drafted the plans. There was an office,
scene shop, kitchen, lounge, storage and costume work area at this building.
In time, Wilfred Cook laid a beautiful floor of terrazzo tile in one room
and it was promptly named for him. In the Wilfred Cook Room, Civic did workshops
and small productions for maximum audiences of 50 people. Also, Charles Chadwick
arranged to build a raised floor in one rehearsal studio so it would have
enough bounce for dancers. In 1969, AACT crews were still putting the finishing
touches on the building. There was talk while Civic was building out Mulholland
Drive, that the Civic continue to utilize 338 Main Street, in the basement,
but it fell through. The flat Mulholland Drive roof always leaked. Don Stewart
and a small team later built a gabled roof above our spaces. During the 1950’s
and 60’s Alice Crawford designed and built many of the sets.
1960-61
OCTOBER - Darkness at Noon
Joe Medrano was in this production, as was Bob Seeman, in one of his acting
appearances. Dr. Robert Green had been cast but dropped out due to illness.
Joe’s wife was about to deliver during Final Dress Rehearsal. She would
eventually deliver a boy with dark hair around noon—Darkness at Noon.
NOVEMBER - Bell, Book, and Candle
JANUARY - Joan of Lorraine
Ted used Bucky Buchanan in this production. Now this was 1961, and Bucky
was black, so this first example of blind casting at Ann Arbor Civic caused
quite a stir. Nancy Heusel played Joan of Arc.
FEBRUARY -The Flowering Peach
Lyla Green played in this production. One of Bob Seeman’s favorite
shows.
MARCH - Our Town
In this production, Ted cast Bucky Buchanan as the Stage Manager.
1961-62
This season was marked with a memory by Bob Seeman. Civic had moved into
Mulholland Drive and for some reason were forced to paint flats in the snow.
This led to a production that had the disaster of flats with paint peeling
off of them! This was the season that AACT began the practice of producing
one musical a year.
OCTOBER - Mr. Roberts
DECEMBER - Period of Adjustment
JANUARY - The Crucible
Dr. Robert Green was in this production, his third, and he won Best Actor.
FEBRUARY - Night Must Fall
MARCH - The Pajama Game
1962-63
SEPTEMBER - Under the Yum-Yum Tree
This and the next show were presented at the old Ann Arbor High School
(Frieze Building).
DECEMBER - The Grass Harp
This was Runelda Medrano’s first Stage Management job for Ann Arbor
Civic. As Runelda tells it, Ted told her she was going to do the job:
he didn’t ask her, he told her. This would be the beginning of a 20 year
collaboration between Ted Heusel and Runelda Medrano. This was also the first
show for which Sophie Farah did makeup. This would be the beginning of her
150 production history with AACT. Both Runelda and Sophie would have a long
and storied involvement with Ted’s productions.
JANUARY - Becket
Zeke Jabbour played the Pope in this production. He typically was cast
as a Jewish man, so when he was cast as the Pope, he joked that he was probably
the first Jewish Pope. Funny thing was, Zeke was not Jewish.
FEBRUARY - Three Penny Opera
Joe Medrano appeared in this production and was suffering from the flu.
He eventually lost his voice, and he worked himself into an energetic frenzy
on stage, but when he would come off stage, he was like the walking dead.
APRIL - See How They Run
This production was presented at the Michigan Theatre.
1963-64
OCTOBER - Sunrise at Campobello
DECEMBER - Oklahoma!
JANUARY/FEBRUARY - A Taste of Honey
MARCH - The Miracle Worker
Nancy Heusel enjoyed playing Annie Sullivan in this show. The show was
great and featured Dr. Robert Green as, you guessed it, the doctor.
APRIL - Romanoff and Juliet
This fabulous production was the first set design by Don Stewart. He would
do a large number of shows with the theatre. Sophie Farah made-up Lila Green
as "Death", and Lila was driving around in make-up between the matinee
and the night show. She pulled up to a light in make-up and scared a male
student.
1964-65
OCTOBER - The Best Man
DECEMBER - Gypsy
This is the first production of Gypsy that Ted Heusel directed
Judy Dow Rumelhart in. Judy also regularly did a lot of performing with Gilbert
and Sullivan Society. This production of Gypsy and the next one were
both remembered as great. In this production and the one twenty years later,
Helga Hover and Carol Quinell a dancing cow!
FEBRUARY - The Night of the Iguana
MARCH - Candida
This production had a near miss. A candle on stage caught a curtain on
fire during a show. Before many urgent whispers from off stage were spoken,
the leading man went over during his scene, patted out the fire and continued
without losing a beat.
APRIL - A Shot in the Dark
Extremely funny production.
1965-66
Joe Medrano remembers this as being a very busy year for him. He was involved
in all the shows, and he won a Best Supporting Actor Award.
SEPTEMBER - Never too Late
DECEMBER - A View From the Bridge
MARCH - Mary, Mary
Joe Medrano’s first set design/build for Civic Theatre.
APRIL - Kiss Me Kate
Dr. Robert Green and Jerry Patterson were in "Brush up Your Shakespeare".
Jerry Billick of UM Band was involved in this production. Many people remember this as a great production, starring "Fat"
Bob Taylor (who wasn’t very fat!) as Petruchio. The show featured Fr.
Alex Miller and Clink Fink as song and dance men.
MAY - All the Way Home
1966-67
SEPTEMBER - Enter Laughing
JANUARY - A Raisin in the Sun
First African-American production by Ann Arbor Civic Theatre. Joe Medrano
played the only white character in the production. This production was directed
by Pat Petite.
MARCH - The Devil's Disciple
APRIL - Guys and Dolls
When the lighting designer/board operator walked off the job, Howard and
Margaret Fox were brought in at the last minute, because they had done the
previous production. They learned the system, read the prompt book, and performed
admirably. In this production, the revealing costumes of the Hot Box Dancers
caused quite a stir. This production was mentioned by several people as being
particularly great. Connie (Barron) Avsharian was in this show.
MAY - Come Back, Little Sheeba
1967-68
NOVEMBER - A Man for all Seasons
JANUARY - Any Wednesday
FEBRUARY/MARCH - Rhinoceros
Sophie Farah refused to do make up on this very strange play. This absurdist
play was not well received by audiences.
APRIL - Finian's Rainbow
This production featured Alger Crandall and had Helga Hover in its ranks.
MAY - The Mousetrap
1968-69
OCTOBER - The Visit
Helga Hover remembers being part of this production in which she played
the wife of the man on whom the lead is getting revenge.
JANUARY - Critic's Choice
MARCH - South Pacific
Judy Dow Rumelhart was cast as Bloody Mary and made up to look older and
a different race. In a show that involves a woman who can’t deal with
the fact that Emile has Polynesian children, here the great black singer Willis
Patterson was cast as Emile. Sophie Farah came on the job to make up Willis
as a white man. Pictures from the show bear out Sophie’s success. Connie
Barron (Avsharian) played Nellie.
APRIL - The Rose Tattoo
MAY - She Stoops to Conquer
This production featured the one and only Gilda Radner, while she was studying
at U of M.
1969-70
DECEMBER - Mame
Often reported as being the best AACT musical in memory, this production
featured Irene O’Connor in the lead. Judy Dow Rumelhart graciously offered
Irene her costumes. Burnette Staebler played Vera Charles.
FEBRUARY - A Delicate Balance
MARCH - The Fantasticks
APRIL - The Skin of Our Teeth
This production, presented in the Trueblood Theatre was a very tough but
very successful show.
MAY - The Odd Couple
Charles Stallman was Felix Unger in this production.
In the 1970’s, Susan Morris directed a lot of the
shows. In 1971, AACT began presenting Summer workshops at the Mulholland Drive
space (Wilfred Cook Room). In the beginning, these productions were one-acts
and more experimental. Asterisks below represent these Summer Season production.
Awards nights were being held at hotel banquet halls like the Holiday Inn
and the Crowne Plaza. Ted Farah made most of the awards himself! These
awards were made of stage screws that were gilded. They were known as "The
Golden Screw" Awards. This was also the time when Ted Farah was doing
most of the sets for the troupe. Ted specialized in the impossible. He built
a grand piano, an upright piano, and a grandfather clock that remained in
Civic circulation for decades. Civic used to do Art Fair performances on South
University to advertise for their Summer Season. In ’74-’75, the
Summer Season expanded into the Spring and Fall. Every year, there was a corn
roast in August at the Dukes or Judy’s family place. This would serve
as the kickoff for membership and sometimes setting up the new season. This
party would continue at the Medrano’s house long after this group of
friends stopped doing shows at AACT. Aileen (Mengel) Schultz was in many productions
during the 70’s and 80’s.
In the 70’s, John Reid Klein, who was a regular AACT director, died of
diabetes. In his memory, the theatre created the John Klein Scholarship Fund
for UM students of theatre, music and dance.
1970-71
OCTOBER - Cactus Flower
First mainstage directing gig for Burnette Staebler, this show played
at the Frieze Building.
DECEMBER - Man of La Mancha
Another great musical production, this show featured Harold Hall
MARCH - The Subject Was Roses
MARCH - Blithe Spirit
The first of Nancy Heusel’s appearances as Madame Arcati.
APRIL - In White America
MAY - Brass and Grass Forever
This large show by Jerry Billick (who went on to become president of Disney
on Ice) was the third original musical that Ann Arbor Civic Theatre presented.
Judy Dow Rumelhart played a big part in getting the show presented. It shone
at Art Fair and featured tap numbers. Sophie Farah made up Lila Green as a
male soldier, and it was so good that Lila wasn’t allowed in the women’s
rest room. A tidbit of note: Lila Green was often asked to impersonate Queen
Elizabeth (current queen of England).
1971-72
OCTOBER - Misalliance
DECEMBER - Fiddler on the Roof
Lyla Green was Yente in this production.
MARCH - I Never Sang for My Father
MARCH - Antigone
APRIL - Star Spangled Girl
This show featured Lisa Goodman and Michael Bott.
MAY - Once upon a Mattress
Alice's Adventures Underground*
The Chairs*
The Hundred and First*
Indian Wants the Bronx*
Riders to the Sea*
The Lover*
Menaechmi*
Noon*
Snowangel*
1972-73
OCTOBER - Forty Carats
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER - Anything Goes
JANUARY - The Lion in Winter
FEBRUARY - Thieve's Carnival
MARCH - The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
This production had a nude painting scene in it. One of Nancy Heusel’s
favorite roles.
MAY - Most Happy Fella
Lead, Ralph Herbert, made this production enjoyable and memorable.
As You Like It*
First Shakespeare at Ann Arbor Civic since Julius Caesar in 1958.
Overruled
The Diary of Adam and Eve*
Cop-Out*
Hello Out There*
How He Lied to Her Husband*
Charles Sutherland’s first show with Ann Arbor Civic Theatre.
The Marriage Proposal*
Next*
1973-74
OCTOBER - Arms and the Man
DECEMBER - Barefoot in the Park
JANUARY - Company
FEBRUARY - Hogan's Goat
APRIL - Black Comedy/White Liars (double bill)
MAY - Annie Get Your Gun
The Fantasticks*
The Glass Menagerie*
Hands Across the Sea*
Pygmalion*
A Slight Ache*
The Women*
Burnette Staebler’s first directing job, The Women was chosen
because there were "too many shows with too many men." Sophie Farah
was in this show. This cast boasted only women, and Burnette said she would
cast any woman who auditioned.
1974-75
This year, the Summer Season expanded into the Spring and Fall.
Last of the Red Hot Lovers
OCTOBER - Ernest in Love
Burnette Staebler’s first musical as a director.
DECEMBER - Ten Little Indians
This was a well-respected production directed by Ted Heusel. In this,
the second production of this show by Civic, Bev Pooley played the Judge.
For the ending of the show, Ted utilized material from the novelization, after
having Bev appear on stage at the end in a wide chair.
JANUARY - Tartuffe
MARCH - Fiorello
Generally regarded as a great production.
MAY - Hay Fever
A Doll's House (scenes)*
Mary of Scotland (Act 3)*
Medea (scenes)*
The Red Queen, the White Queen and Alice and All*
A Thurber Carnival*
Wilde Women*
Separate Tables*
You're a Good Man Charlie Brown*
1975-76
OCTOBER - Arsenic and Old Lace
DECEMBER - Promises, Promises
FEBRUARY - The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail
Susan Morris’s first show directing for Ann Arbor Civic Theatre.
MARCH - The Little Foxes
One of Nancy Heusel’s favorite performances.
MAY - Oklahoma!
The American Dream*
Harvey*
Some bits of trouble with the set on this production. Ted Farah was building
and realized that the designer didn’t give him enough space to fit the
set!
Miss Julie*
The Pot Boiler*
1976-77
On the political front, the Summer Season ended this year.
OCTOBER - Summer and Smoke
This production featured Susan Morris and Warren Eveland in leading roles.
DECEMBER - Little Mary Sunshine
JANUARY - Spofford
APRIL - Brigadoon
MAY - Anastasia
This show was recognized by many as a great production. It featured Caitha
Wright in the lead. Joe Medrano had to slap her at one point in the show,
and Caitha was a brilliant stage combatant. The scene between Nancy and Caitha,
when the grandmother finally believes she is Anastasia is remembered as one
of the great dramatic moments in any Civic show.
1977-78
SUMMER - The Zookeeper
OCTOBER - Waltz of the Torreadors
DECEMBER - You Never Can Tell
FEBRUARY - Sleuth
Bev Pooley and Bill Cross starred in this well-loved production.
APRIL - Carousel
MAY - Finishing Touches
JULY - You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown
Tom Cooch’s first show with Civic.
1978-79
SEPTEMBER - You Can't Take it With You
This production was directed by Ted Heusel, who says that it was very
hot in the Mendelssohn those days before air conditioning arrived. The heat
didn’t keep the audiences away though—this show was sold out every
night. Coca Cola was generously donated to keep patrons happy.
OCTOBER - The Unexpected Guest
JANUARY - The Good Woman of Szechwan
Disaster abounded in this production! There were ‘giants’ with
large head pieces. One hat bumped loose and covered a giant’s eyes while
coming down some stairs. Later the head fell off and bounced downstage toward
the audience. In unison, the entire cast turned upstage, and jiggling shoulders
abounded.
MARCH/APRIL - A Little Night Music
Directed by Susan Morris, this production featured Meg Gilbert and John
McCollum.
MAY - The Madwoman of Chaillot
One of Nancy Heusel’s favorite productions. In what may be the only
case of pre-casting Clarabell Baird played the lead. This was Roger Wortenberger’s
last show—he died just after this production. It also featured Sandra
Hudson, Bob Seeman, and his first wife Betty.
JUNE - Follies
This was the very first show at the newly built Power Center. Burnette
Staebler was one of the performers.
Feiffer's People*
1979-80
This year Ann Arbor Civic Theatre moved to 338 S. Main (The Elks Club)
because the theatre wanted more rehearsal space. A season of shows previously presented by A2CT was selected in order to honor the 50th Anniversary.
SEPTEMBER - The Devil's Disciple
DECEMBER - Kiss Me Kate
This production starred Charlie Sutherland and Wendy Bloom and was directed by Jim Posante.
FEBRUARY - The Curious Savage
APRIL - The Crucible
This was the first collaboration between Bob Seeman and Joe Medrano on
sets. Now it’s time to reveal the secret trick they played on the audience.
Joe painted a wall plug on the back wall of the cabin, behind the table.
MAY - Lady Lambert
This was an original script about Cromwell’s wife.
JUNE - Guys and Dolls
This production featured Andy Lindstrom and Tom Cooch.
Absent Friends* (asterisk marks Second Stage shows
The Good Doctor*
In the early 80’s, Civic Theatre moved to the Elks
Club at 338 S. Main. Bob Seeman and Joe Medrano recall having sound issues
with Elks Bingo during Second Stage shows (marked with Asterisks below). Too
much noise disrupted the Bingo players! During the 80’s, Tom Ault was
a lighting and painting volunteer who taught several workshops on faux effects
and the like.
After shouldering intolerable debt at 338 S. Main, AACT moved to 1035/1039
S. Main Street (the old American Legion Hall), right next to the stadium.
Civic sold 338 S. Main (for twice what they paid for it) to Anthony S. Brown
Associates of Birmingham, Michigan. The move happened during the Mainstreet
production of Playboy of the Western World at 338 S. Main.
1980-81
SEPTEMBER - Our Town
In this production, Joe Medrano played Doc Gibbs.
DECEMBER - The Water Engine / The Apollo of Bellac (double bill)
On the way to deliver the set to the theatre for this production, Bob
Seeman embarrassingly relates that he caught the truck under the Washington/First
Street bridge.
JANUARY - My Fair Lady
MARCH East Lynne (or Lady Israel's Shame)
APRIL - A Flea in Her Ear
This production, directed by Ted Heusel and starring Nancy Heusel and
Robin Barlow, was a big show for Civic. It is a favorite of all those involved,
and marked Robin’s first show with AACT.
MAY - Bedroom Farce
The set for this show featured a dozen doors, designed by Bob Seeman and
Joe Medrano.
Bus Stop*
The Night of January 16th*
This marked the beginning of Joe Medrano’s directing several shows
for Second Stage.
Sand Castles*
Still Life*
The Trysting Place
1981-82
AUGUST - Look Homeward, Angel
Robin Barlow had the lead (Will Gant) in this production and remembers
acting with Mary King and Carl with fondness. He also recalls that he missed
his entrance after the first intermission because he was signing autographs
in the Green Room of Mendelssohn.
OCTOBER - Harvey
DECEMBER - The Boy Friend
FEBRUARY - Major Barbara
APRIL/MAY – Camelot
Thom Johnson’s first show at Civic. Charles Sutherland played King
Arthur with Hans Friedrichs as Mordred.
JUNE - Witness for the Prosecution
This was a great show, but it had a lot of interesting facets. To begin
with, two days after auditions, the director walked out. Bob Seeman, who as
in the cast, recalls that Ted Heusel had to step in, and he began by re-casting
the show. Every night, the company would choose a jury from the audience,
and they didn’t know how the juror would decide. The cast had rehearsed
both endings, the guilty and the innocent. During the production, one of the
actors began making up testimony that was not scripted, during production
week! Several actors talked to their cohort, and the following night, he started
mentioning the previous nights conversations on the stand! Ted (with the cast’s
approval) had to remove the actor and merge his testimony into other character’s
scenes.
Charley's Aunt*
A Life in the Theatre*
Once Upon a Mattress*
Ring 'Round the Moon*
Snow White's Trial*
The Zoo Story*
1982-83
AUGUST - The Chalk Garden
OCTOBER - See How They Run
Good production.
DECEMBER - The Sound of Music
Good successful production.
FEBRUARY - On Golden Pond
This was Burnette Staebler’s favorite show to direct. It was also
one of Nancy Heusel’s favorite shows. Rick Spurling played the boy. Rick’s
mother directed children’s theatre that had included Tom Hulce (of the
movie Amadeus) in its ranks at one time.
APRIL - Pippin
JUNE - A Midsummer Night's Dream
The Bald Soprano*
The Club*
The Gift of the Magi*
Lunch Hour*
The Rainmaker*
The Real Inspector Hound*
The Robber Bridegroom*
This production, directed by Jim Posante, starred Rich Roselle and included
Laurie Atwood in the cast. It was so successful it showed twice. This time
on the MAINSTREET and the following year at Power Center.
Steambath*
The Lesson *
1983-84
SEPTEMBER - Butterflies Are Free
NOVEMBER - The Philadelphia Story
Bob Seeman remembers with embarrassment his missed entrance as an actor
in this production.
DECEMBER – Cabaret
AACT and Performance Network both did this show at the same time!
MARCH - The Diviners
Good production.
MAY - Hello Dolly!
This was one of Judy Dow Rumelhart’s biggest shows and well-liked.
JUNE - Seven Keys to Baldpate
Great production.
SUMMER FESTIVAL - The Robber Bridegroom
The Apple Tree*
The Belle of Amherst*
Going Up*
Off and Running*
Seven Keys to Baldpate*
Veronica's Room*
1984-85
SEPTEMBER - How the Other Half Loves
The audience enjoyed the split stage in this creative production.
OCTOBER - Fiddler on the Roof
Larry Henkel played Tevye in this and several other productions of Fiddler.
DECEMBER - The Late Christopher Bean (50th Anniversary Show)
This production, directed by Charlie Sutherland, had Cassie Mann, Leo
Babcock, Phyllis Wright and Burnette Staebler in it.
FEBRUARY/MARCH - The Shadow Box
Great production.
MAY - The Importance of Being Earnest
In this fantastic production, Burnette Staebler played Lady Bracknell.
She was supposed to be stopped from leaving by Fr. Alex, who was playing the
Reverand Chausible. Fr. Alex didn’t show up on time, and Burnette was
forced to vamp numerous lines.
JUNE - Bells are Ringing
Hay Fever
This production was directed by Susan Morris and starred Bev Pooley, Hans
Friedrichs, Chris Korow and Susan Morseth.
The Clouds*
Directed by Larry Rusinsky, this was Wendy Wright’s first show with
AACT.
The Dining Room*
This may be David Andrews’ first show at Civic Theatre.
Key Exchange*
Thom Johnson in short shorts; what can you say?
Uncommon Women and Others*
Working*
Fantastic version of this Studs Terkel musical.
1985-86
6 Rms Riv Vu
SEPTEMBER - Royal Family
OCTOBER - Orpheus Descending
DECEMBER - Anything Goes
This show was directed by Andrew Lippa, who is now writing musicals
in New York. He did a very successful version of The Wild Party that
ran off-Broadway in the same season that there was a different version on
Broadway starring Mandy Patinkin. Lippa’s musical is considered the superior
version.. It starred Kerry Graves.
FEBRUARY/MARCH - Blues for Mr. Charlie
MAY - Chicago
This first production of Chicago for the Civic was very well done.
JUNE - The Skin of Our Teeth
Dracula*
Ten Little Indians*
This was a great production directed by Hans Friedrichs and the first
show for Kerry Graves. So successful, the theatre added an second weekend
of performances.
Laundry and Bourbon/Lone Star* (double bill)
Wendy Wright’s first time out as a director. Successfully added a
second weekend of performances.
Museum*
Play with a Tiger*
1986-87
SEPTEMBER - Angels Fall
NOVEMBER – Gypsy
Judy Dow Rumelhart played Mama Rose in this show, a second time with Civic.
Helga Hover’s last show at Civic.
DECEMBER - The Misanthrope
Thom Johnson starred in this production. During those days, we did a matinee
and an evening show on Saturday and then struck the set. After the break between
shows, the production staff couldn’t find TJ! Eventually, they found
him asleep on a pile of black curtains in the stairwell at Mendelssohn. This
show was directed by Hans Friedrichs and also starred Kerry Graves and Wendy
Wright.
FEBRUARY - Hedda Gabler
Great production. The set, designed by Bob Seeman and Joe Medrano, got
applause when the curtain opened.
MAY - Damn Yankees
What can you say to Bev Pooley as the Devil?
JUNE - Romantic Comedy
The Dresser*
Engaged*
Loose Ends*
Lu Ann Hampton Laverty Oberlander*
'night Mother*
This powerful two-person show featured Wendy Wright and Pat Rector. The
reviewer was so unnerved by this show dealing with suicide that he didn’t
even mention the actresses in it.
1987-88
SEPTEMBER - Plaza Suite
This production featured Bev Pooley in the final act. Nancy Heusel, Marty
Smith and Laurie Atwood were also in this show. It is mentioned as a highlight
of the decade.
NOVEMBER - The Real Thing
DECEMBER - Side by Side by Sondheim
FEBRUARY - Inherit the Wind
MAY - The Music Man
Excellent production starring Kerry Graves, Charles Sutherland and Wendy
Wright as the Shinns. There’s nothing to describe the site of a cast
of 90 people on the Power Center stage.
JUNE - Bullshot Crummond
Sophie Farah says "The best director I’ve ever worked with was
Ted Heusel. Ted could make a hit out of a minor script like Bullshot Crummond."
Angel Street*
Chamber Music*
The Day the Whores Came Out to Play Tennis*
Fifth of July*
Painting Churches*
The Playboy of the Western World*
1988-89
First season at 1035/1039 S. Main St—the old American Legion Hall.
SEPTEMBER - Born Yesterday
Great production starring Laurie Atwood as Billie Dawn.
OCTOBER - Arsenic and Old Lace
Well loved production directed by Ted Heusel and starring Nancy Heusel
and Lusa Mars. In this production, the bows featured murdered men coming up
through the basement door and taking bows. On the first night, there were
three, but by closing night, there were 12 men, and Ted Heusel himself! Joe
Medrano won for set design. Dr. Robert Green looked amazing as the Boris Karloff
character, with Jim Kane as his sidekick in the Peter Lorre part.
DECEMBER - Wonderful Town
A set fell over in this production just as a character named "Wreck"
was making his entrance. The actor didn’t miss a beat, saying "I
guess that’s why they call me the Wreck." That line got 5 minutes
of uninterrupted audience laughter.
MARCH – Amadeus
This production featured Duncan Williams as Mozart, Kathleen Davies as
his wife, Bev Pooley as the old Salieri and Stephen Skelly as the young Salieri.
MAY - Mame
Stars included Kerry Graves Smith, Jeffrey Willets and Alison Reed Robinson.
Sunny LaFave stole the show. Erik Olsen's first role at Civic.
JUNE - Play it Again, Sam
This production featured Kristine Kelly, Chris Korow, and Marty Smith
(as Bogart)
Bigfoot Stole My Wife*
The Gin Game*
Clarabell Halstead directed this production featuring Phyllis Wright and
Andy Lindstrom. Although it had a short run, it was a big hit.
The Glass Menagerie*
Great production featuring Anne Koczlakowski-Magee in a brilliant portrayal
of Laura.
The House of Blue Leaves*
This production starred Charles Sutherland, Cassie Mann and Kim MacKenzie.
Laundry and Bourbon*
This production was remounted and competed at a community theatre competition.
The Sign on Sidney Brustein’s Window*
Woyseck*
1989-90
SEPTEMBER - I'm Not Rappaport
This show featured Peter Bellanca (Nat) and Steve Dixon (Midge)
OCTOBER - The Mystery of Edwin Drood
Fun production featured Sue Booth and Wendy Bloom as the love interest
with Bev Pooley and Joseph Diedrich as the suspects. David Burkam and Wendy
Wright’s antics during the opium den scene brought in letters of complaint.
Remember that this is a show where the audience gets to choose who the murderer
is, and then the murderer chosen sings a solo explaining why and how. Every
night, the audience selected Charles Sutherland. Now we can tell you: the
final night, the chorus rigged the results so that someone else in the cast
could do their song.
DECEMBER - The Lion in Winter
Starred Nancy Heusel and Robin Barlow as the King and Queen and was directed
by Burnette Staebler. Julie Vorus played Alais.
MARCH - To Kill a Mockingbird
APRIL – Brigadoon
In this production, directed by Conrad Mason, Jeffrey Willets played Tommy
Albright.
JUNE - The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940
Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris*
A Lesson From Aloes*
This production featured Marvin Sims, Susan Morseth, and Thom Johnson.
A Lie of the Mind*
This production featured New York actor Steve Angus as Jake.
Lysistrata*
Cassie Mann as Lysistrata told the men what to do. This was Jimmy Dee’s
first show at AACT, and he played an old man. All of the other men in the
production were given an "apparatus" except Jimmy. Awwww. .
Twelfth Night*
In a Wendy Wright production featuring Steve Angus as Malvolio, they had
to keep him still off stage, because he was wearing bells on his outrageous
costume. The show made money hand over fist and officially meant that Shakespeare
had finally found a home at Civic.
The nineties began with a move again, this time to Platt
Road, and the site of an old skating rink. A move to Community High School
was championed at the same time, but it fell through, and Civic moved into
its largest space ever.
1990-91
The Mousetrap
Ain't Misbehavin'
Steel Magnolias
Watch on the Rhine
Oliver
Jimmy Dee Arnold appeared in a memorable performance of Fagin. This production
was directed by Susan Morris and the set was designed by Bob Seeman.
The Foreigner
This wild and wooly production featured Chris Korow and Fred Bock.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER - Ah, Wilderness!*
Good production directed by Susan Morris.
FEBRUARY - She Loves Me*
This little musical starring Wendy Wright and Jeff Willets was well loved
and successful.
APRIL - A Day in the Death of Joe Egg*
NOVEMBER - The Rimers of Eldritch*
JULY - Crimes of the Heart*
Duet for One*
1991-92
In 1991, the Civic Board of Directors approved purchase of 2275 Platt
Road.
Sweet Charity
This production featured Sue Booth as an incredible Charity.
The Man Who Came to Dinner
Brighton Beach Memoirs
The Death and Life of Sneaky Fitch*
In this show, the cowboys scampered about on broomstick horses. They shot
cap guns, complete with the red paper rolls streaming out of the top. Every
night, a different local celebrity made a cameo appearance as the losing party
in a showdown. Marshall Forstot was a genial, guitar- strumming narrator,
and Larry Rusinsky sank his teeth into the role of Sneaky, the town coward
erroneously believed to have died, who sees himself as invincible after he
wakes up.
Fences
Steve Dixon was amazing in this show.
Sweeney Todd
This production, presented at Power Center, is remembered by many as being
fantastic. Charles Sutherland was Judge Turpin, and Jeffrey Willets was Anthony.
Judy Dow Rumelhart had financed the Broadway production of Sweeney Todd.
Lend Me a Tenor
Fool For Love*
Foxfire*
This production was a favorite for Nancy Heusel and Robin Barlow who were
in it. It was directed by Susan Morris.
The Miss Firecracker Contest* (first production in the Platt Road space)
1992-93
This was the year that Civic Theatre moved into the Platt Road space (skating
rink). It was also the year that Wendy Wright recalls that we did a third
season called First Impressions. It was for original works and first time
directors. It became a season of 17 shows!
Wait Until Dark
Cinderella
The Diary of Anne Frank
Great production starring Thom Johnson, Susan Morris and Wendy Wright.
Mornings at Seven
Phyllis Wright was in this production that is well-remembered.
On the Twentieth Century
This production was directed by Jim Posante and starred Charles Sutherland.
Master Harold and the Boys
Biloxi Blues*
Burn This*
Les Liaisons Dangereuses*
This show featured a great set by Tod Barker.
The Lesson*
Candida*
This production was directed by Ann Vandemark and featured a great performance
by David Blixt.
A Macbeth*
In a production directed by George Popovich and basically imported from
Henry Ford College, the excessive smoke effects kept setting off the smoke
alarms. This was an unusual production that included ramps up into the audience
and ropes dangling from the ceiling, which actors held onto.
Value of a Dollar (original play)
A Summer Share (original play)
Spoon River Anthology
1993-94
The Nerd
Oklahoma!
Zooman and the Sign
Much Ado About Nothing
West Side Story
Great production, but tough.
Broadway Bound
Susan Morris gave a great performance in this production.
Prelude to a Kiss*
Seascape*
Wendy Wright in a lizard costume? She has the pictures and she’s
not letting anyone see them!
A Soldier's Play*
Three Sisters*
1994-95
Deathtrap
Ted Heusel’s, Runelda Medrano’s and Sophie Farah’s last
show with Civic.
South Pacific
The Piano Lesson
The Miracle Worker
Annie
This production, featuring a large cast including Wendy Wright, was hugely
successful.
Private Lives
Love Letters
Blood Wedding*
Extremities*
Love Letters*
Waxing the Moon (original play)
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest*
Picnic*
The set designer had built a beautiful set in the space. Then the cast
and crew realized that the scaffold platform needed to hang lights was stuck
behind the set! The cast and crew were forced to pick up the set and move
it so they could get the scaffold out. The set scarred the newly finished
wood floors of the former roller rink. The show also used the new balconies
in an inventive way.
Waxing the Moon*
1995-96
M Butterfly
Jeffrey
Highly successful and controversial production for AACT, directed by Ron
Baumanis in his first show with Civic.
Accomplice
RUR
As You Like it*
Blithe Spirit
Glenn Bugala’s first show at A2CT, with Nancy Heusel reprising her
role as Madame Arcati.
Noises Off
This funny production featured a two story set designed by Barb Wells
to spin.
1996-97
My Favorite Year
Bye Bye Birdie
Six Degrees of Separation
City of Angels
Hamlet
Taming of the Shrew
This show featured Glenn Bugala and Kandi Harris Dowds in the leads.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead
The Sisters Rosensweig
Medea
Excellent production featuring Wendy Hiller and Melissa Johnson.
1997-98
SEPTEMBER - Lost In Yonkers
OCTOBER - The Baltimore Waltz
NOVEMBER - A Little Night Music
Glenn Bugala’s first directing job at A2CT featured returning performers
Wendy Bloom, Charles Sutherland, Sue Booth, and Tom Cooch. It also featured
a 16 year old Brynn O’Malley.
DECEMBER - Stuart Little (Junior Theatre)
DECEMBER - The Farnsdale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Dramatic
Society's Production of "A Christmas Carol"
JANUARY/FEBRUARY - You Can't Take it With You
MARCH - Big River
MARCH – Heidi (Junior Theatre)
APRIL - The Merchant of Venice
Featured Robin Barlow as Shylock and also featured Glenn Bugala, Dana
Sutton and Troy Sill.
MAY - Jesus Christ Superstar
First of the really big Spring musicals that would be presented in several
ensuing years.
JUNE - Dancing at Lughnasa
1998-99
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER - On Golden Pond
Phyllis Wright was in this production.
OCTOBER - The Golden Goose (Junior Theatre)
NOVEMBER - How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
DECEMBER - The Snow Queen
JANUARY - The Rainmaker
FEBRUARY/MARCH -Romeo and Juliet
In a talented turn, David Blixt directed and played Mercutio in this production
MARCH - The Emperor's New Clothes (Junior Theatre)
APRIL - The Sound of Music
Enormously successful production for A2CT.
MAY - A Trip to Bountiful
This production was a love letter to Phyllis Wright, who played the lead.
JUNE - Rumors
1999-2000
Only season totally presented at the Platt Road space.
SEPTEMBER - Brave New World Revisited, Revisited (Original script)
OCTOBER - Three Tall Women
OCTOBER - 813: American Fiction (Original script)
NOVEMBER - Steel Pier
DECEMBER - Angels in America--Millenium Approaches
Melissa Johnson directed this deep production featuring a great performance
by Chris O’Brian in his first role at A2CT.
JANUARY - Light up the Sky!
MARCH - The Fantasticks
Tod Barker’s last show at Civic.
MARCH/APRIL - The Crucible
Very rich and dramatic production featuring Wendy Wright.
MAY - A Chorus Line
Successful production for the theatre. It had added Tuesday and Wednesday
performances.
JUNE - The Heidi Chronicles
During the first season of this decade, Civic Theatre
was forced to leave Platt Road, because it could not pay a half-a-million
dollar balloon payment on the building. All the prior investment in the building
was preserved, and Civic leased 408 W. Washington, the old home of the Performance
Network. A2CT also leased a dance studio in the same building, and stored
costumes, props and sets in Ypsilanti. Not long after that, the Ann Arbor
YMCA announced that it had purchased the land and building where the theatre
was and intended to build. After two years of struggles with the Zoning Commission,
the YMCA eventually slated demolition for June 2004. Ann Arbor Civic Theatre
moved again, to 322 W. Ann Street, where it could have storage, office and
rehearsal space. An arsonist set fire to the building just before demolition.
2000-01
In this year, Civic moved to 408 W. Washington, just after the first show
closed.
SEPTEMBER - Little Shop of Horrors
Last show in Platt Road space, directed by Wendy Sielaff
MARCH - The Front Page
Highly successful straight show.
MAY - Last Night of Ballyhoo
JUNE - Evita
This large scale production helped keep A2CT on the radar screen.
Alice in Wonderland (Junior Theatre)
2001-02
OCTOBER - Scheherazade (Junior Theatre)
NOVEMBER - A Midsummer Night's Dream
JANUARY - Pajama Game
MARCH -The Lucky Spot
MAY - Starshine (Junior Theatre)
JUNE - Tommy
One of Civic’s largest productions ever. This production featured
Dann Smallwood in the lead with Curt Waugh and Carrie Wickert as his parents.
2002-03
SEPTEMBER - Jekyll & Hyde
OCTOBER - Trial of the Big Bad Wolf (Junior Theatre)
NOVEMBER - Enter Laughing
JANUARY - Smile
MARCH - Pillow Talk
APRIL - Just Like Me (Junior Theatre)
MAY - Girls of the Garden Club
JUNE - The Importance of Being Earnest
2003-04
In this year, Civic moved to 322 W. Ann Street.
SEPTEMBER - CHICAGO
NOVEMBER - THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL
JANUARY - FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
MARCH - DINNER WITH FRIENDS
APRIL - REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE
MAY - 75TH ANNIV. GALA
JUNE - MY ONE AND ONLY
2004-05
SEPTEMBER - On the Town
NOVEMBER - Inherit the Wind
NOVEMBER - The Emperor's New Clothes (Junior Theatre)
JANUARY - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
MARCH - Our Town
APRIL - Lysistrata
MAY - Sleeping Beauty (Junior Theatre)
JUNE - Cabaret
2005-06
SEPTEMBER - West Side Story
NOVEMBER - All My Sons
NOVEMBER - Alice Meets Dorothy (Junior Theatre)
JANUARY - Guys and Dolls
MARCH - A Thousand Clowns
APRIL - The Nerd
MAY - The Reluctant Dragon (Junior Theatre)
JUNE - The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
Various homes - 1929
Burns Park Log Cabin/Michigan Union "Rumpus Room" - 1947
Ellsworth and Wagner Rd School house - 1950
305 S. Main St and Jim’s Candy Store on Prospect – 1952-3
Mulholland Drive (803 W. Washington) – Purchased in 1962. Built out in
the 60’s
338 S. Main (The Elks Club) - 1979
1035/1039 S. Main Street (American Legion Hall)- 1988
2275 Platt Road - 1992
408 W. Washington - 2001
322 Ann Street - 2003